(PreserveMacForte.com) New age-related macular degeneration (AMD) research could ultimately help thousands of Australians to avoid losing their eyesight as they reach senior citizen status, The Australian reported on May 28.
According to the article, Paul Mitchell, lead ophthalmologist at Sydney, Australia’s Westmead Hospital, will over the next 36 months spearhead a trial that will focus on the impact of low glycemic index products, like wholemeal bread and brown rice, in people who have symptoms of AMD.
The article cited Prof. Mitchell as saying that most people who are treated in a timely fashion can avoid vision loss that can, in a worst case scenario, lead to complete blindness. And, as it turns out, many older Australians are at risk of having their vision compromised. The article noted that in excess of 1 million people in Australia who are older than 50 have some symptoms of AMD.
According to Prof. Mitchell a couple of genes combine to lead to the onset of AMD. However, genetic testing courtesy of Medicare was not available as yet.
In the article, Prof. Mitchell said that previous research has revealed that those with AMD who consumed supplements with anti-oxidants, fish and zinc oils could lessen the onset and impact of the eye condition. Egg yolk and yellow produce also can have a positive impact on promoting eye health. He emphasized not only that people can tweak their diet to lessen their genetic risk, but also that research should focus on this area.
Meanwhile, the article also focused on a situation involving Jean Kittson, the Australian comedian whose 87-year-old month is living with AMD. Kittson’s mother has lost the majority of her vision because of AMD, and her two uncles have the eye condition as well. As a result of the fact that AMD runs in the family, Kittson has regular eye exams and ensures that her children eat healthy foods, according to the report.
As age expectancies continue to rise, some researchers believe that AMD will become even more of a problem. according to previous reports. The eye condition generally impacts the elderly. However, many researchers have said that this does not mean that AMD is merely a part of getting older. Proper eye health, which includes eating right and having regular eye exams, can help, according to numerous reports.